The Lampades: Nymphs of the Underworld

The Lampades (singular: lampada) are Underworld nymphs who are said to accompany the goddess Hekate on her night wanderings. Often seen bearing torches, their name literally means “candle.” As subterranean nymphs, they are most comfortable in total darkness, but will lend their illumination to those who respectfully ask.

If the Lampades are calling to you, it may be time to explore the Chthonic and Unseen Realms. They are strong allies for those who engage in shadow work and can guide you in your journeys (deep meditation, vision work, and trance states) by offering protection and deep earth wisdom. Keep reading below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Lampades and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

Keywords: Underworld. Shadow & Journey work. Guidance. Protection.

How to Connect with the Lampades

Immerse yourself in total darkness. Even if you cannot sense light with your eyes, your skin and body can still detect light, so be sure to block all light sources. (Even in a dark room on a moonless night far from a city, there may be small points of light emanating from a power strip, computer charger, or even the stars.) Allow your entire body to experience complete darkness. Become aware of the sensations in your body, the thoughts in your mind, and the emotions that arise while held by the Dark.

Contemplate Hades, the Underworld. In Greek, hades literally means the unseen; it is the subterranean realm of soil, roots, darkness, and mortality. As you are immersed in the dark, imagine the plant roots and bulbs, insects, and earth-burrowing creatures who call this realm Home. What kind of earth wisdom is to be found there in the cold, dark underground?

Light a candle in the dark. After being in the dark, notice how the flame of illumination changes the quality of your sensations, thoughts, and emotions. How does it feel to expose your body to light and heat after total immersion in the dark?

Sleep in total darkness and take note of your dreams. Are they more potent, or did you sleep dreamlessly?

Explore a deeper connection with the Underworld. Familiarize yourself with its plants and creatures (especially the Asphodel and Pomegranate), as well as its myths (Hekate, Persephone and Hades). What do these plants, creatures, and stories have to teach you about the Unseen and shadow realms?

Decorate your altar with symbols of the Lampades, the Underworld, and the Element of Metal: candles and torches, roots and dormant plant bulbs, bones and insect casings.

Spend time at crossroads and entrances to the Underworld (caves, sinkholes, roots of trees and plants) and contemplate the chthonic mysteries.

Begin or learn a new form of journey work, such as guided visualization, deep meditation, or non-substance-induced trance states.* Invite the Lampades to accompany you on your journeys whenever illumination, guidance, or protection is necessary. (*Note: substance-induced trance states are better accompanied by the Maenads).

Engage in shadow work that involves facing the fearful, hated, or rejected parts of yourself. Allow the Lampades to offer their illumination and protection as you seek out and integrate those lost or buried aspects.